The first thing I appreciated about Brant Hansen's book Unoffendable was that his idea of not taking offense really allowed me some freedom. As soon as I'd read the first couple of chapters, I put into practice not letting insignificant things irritate me---those situations everyday when someone would bug me. I felt so light. So, for that I'm thankful.
But when he further goes into the thought process of never being offended. Never. Well, that sort of tripped me up. He says that Jesus was never shocked by the morality of those He encountered. I understand that, but if I remember that God can see into the person's heart, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Jesus would just overlook certain things. I don't have that advantage.
I am shocked when I see immorality, blatant or otherwise. When I hold someone in high esteem and they disappoint me and others. It sets me back. And with worldliness, I'm not sure I want to become so vanilla that I'm not concerned and upset by its invasion on decency.
So I'm two ways about the book. I like being reminded that minor situations need to remain just that---minor. I don't need to be so touchy that every little thing makes me mad. But for the bigger issues, I'm a fan of taking offense. Maybe not always personally, but in the big picture. I think we need to take offense on God's behalf. I realize He can manage without me, but sometimes I believe we're to be the foot soldiers working for Him, clearing out the uglies.
(i received this book free to review from booklookbloggers)
